UT’s Rivera wants to be Cinderella story

INDIANAPOLIS Mychal Rivera isn’t the first Vol anyone thinks of at the NFL Combine.

Not with former University of Tennessee quarterback Tyler Bray and receivers Cordarrelle Patterson and Justin Hunter working out for NFL teams.

But Rivera is fine with being overlooked.

“My whole career I have been overlooked and things like that. I just think it sets up a Cinderella story for myself,” Rivera said. “If I can come here and test well, and if I can maybe get drafted high, and if I can go to the NFL and I make those plays, all those doubters are going to realize that I am the man.”

Rivera finished his career at UT with 76 catches for 1,018 yards and six touchdowns.

In 2012, he set a school record for receiving yards for a tight end in a season with 562, breaking Jason Witten’s mark of 493 in 2002.

The 6-foot-3, 244-pounder likes his chances in the NFL. And he said playing at Tennessee helped him handle any adversity that may come. He ran a 4.81 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine.

“It is great to see all the athletic tight ends out there making plays, and I feel like I fit right in there with them. I run really well and catch the ball really well. And I can also get my face in there and blocking,” Rivera said. “I am just trying to accomplish my goals. I have had a dream to be in the NFL since I was knee high, and I am just trying to get there and take it one step at a time.”